Somalia FM: Clash with Ethiopian Government, Not Citizens
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, emphasizes that the country’s primary issues lie with Ethiopia’s government, making it clear the dispute isn’t with the people of Ethiopia, whom he praised as ‘respectful and forward-thinking.’
In discussions with the head of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Fiqi steadfastly accused the Ethiopian government of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty.
Recently, Ethiopia inked a deal with North Western State of Somalia, granting it access to the Red Sea, allowing construction of a military base and port in return for recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, defying international norms.
Standing alongside Workneh at a joint press event in Mogadishu, Fiqi clarified the friction is directed solely at the Ethiopian government in Addis Ababa, showing a desire for a diplomatic solution while defending Somalia’s territorial integrity.
As Fiqi underlined, “There’s no conflict between the Somalian and Ethiopian peoples; however, the Addis Ababa regime threatens Somalia and regional stability,” according to state media.
Previously, Fiqi warned of supporting Ethiopian insurgents if this agreement went through, hinting at potential escalation should diplomatic talks collapse. Ethiopia, in response, dismissed his warnings, labeling him as ‘an Al-Shabaab propagandist,’ further inflaming the tension.
Turkey has stepped in to mediate, but the initial rounds of talks have faltered. The planned meeting for September 17th has been postponed due to the unyielding stances of both sides.
Regional discord tops agendas within both the African Union and IGAD, triggering various diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace, stability, and cooperation. Somalia demands Ethiopia to annul the MoU before additional discussions.
AXADLETM
